Sounds and human voice

a. Now complete the Sounds column with the words in the list.

1. This clock has a very loud tick.
2. Don’t sniff! Get a tissue and blow your nose.
3. To get the new software, just click on the ‘download’ icon.
4. There was a splash when he jumped into the swimming pool.
5. Did you hear that bang? It sounded like a gun.
6. I heard a floorboard creak and I knew somebody had come into the room.
7. I could hear the buzz of a fly, but I couldn’t see it anywhere.
8. I hate people who hoot at me when I slow down at an amber light.
9. When I’m nervous, I often tap my fingers on the table.
10. Don’t slurp your soup! Eat it quietly.
11. The snake reared its head and gave an angry hiss.
12. Please turn the tap off properly, otherwise it’ll drip.
13. We could hear the roar of the crowd in the football stadium from our hotel.
14. Some of the players carried on playing because they hadn’t heard the whistle.
15. I don’t remember the words of the song, but I can hum the tune.
16. Please don’t slam the door. Close it gently.
17. I heard the crunch of their feet walking through the crisp snow.
18. I can’t share a room with you if you snore — I won’t be able to sleep.
19. Every time a bus or lorry goes by, the windows rattle.
20. I heard the screech of brakes as the driver tried to stop and then a loud crash.

b. Match the verbs and definitions.

1. Scream — to make a loud, high cry because you are hurt, frightened or excited
2. Yell — to shout loudly, e.g. because you are angry
3. Giggle — to laugh in a silly way
4. Whisper — to speak very quietly, so that other people can’t hear what you’re saying
5. Mumble — to speak or say something in a quiet voice in a way that is not clear
6. Groan — to make a long deep sound because you are in pain or annoyed
7. Stammer — to speak with difficulty, often repeating sounds or words
8. Sob — to cry noisily, taking sudden sharp breaths
9. Sigh — to take in and then let out a long deep breath, e.g. to show that you are disappointed or tired

C. Answer the question using one of the verbs in a.

1. When people are nervous — tap their fingers
2. When people are terrified — scream
3. When people lose their temper — yell
4. When people are not supposed to be making any noise — whisper
5. When people are amused or embarrassed — stammer
6. When people speak without opening their mouth enough — mumble
7. When people are relieved — sigh
8. When people’s team misses a penalty — groan
9. When people are very unhappy about something — sob